Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in the past in plumbing and water fixtures. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead in water. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful to children’s health. It can affect their ability to learn, their speech and hearing, and their development. It may cause lower IQs and increased hyperactivity.

The only way to know if there is lead in your program’s water is to test the water. This tip sheet will help you understand what to do after you get the testing results from a certified lab.

How do I read the results?

• Labs usually report lead test results in parts per billion (ppb).
• Sometimes the lab may use micrograms per liter (µg/L). This is the same as ppb.
• The lab report will likely also show the limit of lead that is allowed. This may be written as a maximum contaminant level (MCL). This is not your test result.

What do my water test results mean?

The EPA's 3Ts website has information and recommendations to prepare early childhood facilities to reduce lead levels in drinking water.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) goal for lead in drinking water is zero. If the test shows any lead in the water, the goal is to reduce the amount as much as possible.
• Do not use water from any fixture with a lead level above 5 ppb (or your state standard if it is lower) until you fix the problem, retest the water, and verify the level is at or below 5 ppb or your state standard.

What should I do if any test shows lead in the water?

• Consider communicating the results to your Regional Office of Head Start and other regulatory authorities.
• Each program site is unique and recommended actions will be different. Use the chart below to take appropriate steps.
• Write an action plan that describes the steps you will take to reduce the lead in your water. The EPA has an action plan building tool for child care facilities and for public school buildings.
  • Make the action plan with help from your state or territorial child care lead in drinking water program, tribal drinking water program, or your health department. Your local water utility company may also be able to consult with you.
  • If you use a private consultation company, make sure that they have a good reputation and experience with early childhood facilities.
  • Your action plan may include short-term actions, like flushing pipes or using bottled water, and long-term solutions like replacing pipes.

How should I communicate and document my actions?

Tell staff and families about the level of lead that was found and the steps in your action plan. Encourage families who have concerns to contact their health care provider for more information about testing their child’s blood. You can adapt a sample letter from the EPA to share with families.

To show that you are protecting children from lead in drinking water, keep copies of all records including:

• All the test results
• Your action plan of all the steps you have taken to reduce the lead level
• Documentation of all corrections made
• Communication to staff and families about your water testing program

How do I pay for corrections?

• Head Start programs can use program funds to reduce lead in drinking water. For more funding, one-time funding applications may be submitted to your Regional Office of Head Start for consideration.
• Look for state, territorial, tribal, or local grants or other funding sources.
• If you rent or lease your space, work with your landlord to make corrections.

When should I do follow-up testing?

After you have taken steps to reduce the lead in a particular fixture to a level below 5 ppb or your state standard, you will need to retest the fixture before using the water for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby bottles.

• After any plumbing work has been completed and before retesting, run the water for at least 20 minutes and then clean the aerator with soapy water. This removes any debris that may have been loose in the plumbing.
• Retest the treated water to make sure the steps have worked before using it for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby bottles. This means testing the water with the filter in place, after flushing, or after plumbing work has been completed.
• Do not use the fixture until the follow-up test results are below 5 ppb.
• If you installed a filter, it is a good idea to test again after a few months. This is to make sure the filter is working correctly and to help you determine how often to change the filters.

What should I know about using a water filter properly?

• Filter types include pitchers, faucet attachments, and under-the-sink filter systems. The filter you choose may depend on where the lead is coming from. For example, if the lead is in the faucet, you will need a pitcher or faucet attachment to remove the lead.
• Only use a filter that is NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead.
• Read the instructions completely. Make sure you install the filter cartridge properly and replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends.
• Have a system or plan to make sure routine maintenance happens. For example, you could post the filter replacement date at the fixture.
• Point-of-entry (POE) devices are installed where water enters the building. A professional must install these devices. Installing a POE device may result in your facility being regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, so always check with your state drinking water office before installing them.

Where can I learn more about lead in drinking water?

• 3Ts Taking Action Module
• 3Ts Checklist
• Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
• Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead
• List of Filters Certified to Reduce Lead
• National Lead Information Center or call toll-free 800-424-LEAD (5323)
• Lead-safe Toolkit for Center-based Child Care – Lead in Drinking Water
• Caring for Our Children Standards
  • 5.2.6 Water Supply and Plumbing
  • 5.2.9.13 Testing for and Remediating Lead Hazards

Last Updated: October 8, 2024